But Sri Lanka is not the only developing country with poor mental health provision. In May, the World Health Organisation (WHO) launched a programme to improve services for patients with mental or neurological problems, and people with substance-use disorders. According to WHO, most of the people affected – 75% of whom live in low-income countries – do not have access to the treatment they need.

Vivienne Perry talks to Dr Michelle Funk, who co-ordinates the WHO programme, Ananda Galappatti, who has worked as a mental health practitioner in Sri Lanka for 16 years, and people in Sri Lanka who have mental health disorders.